Over the weekend, the NDP proposed a $60 million annual plan to save schools facing closure; NDP Leader Andrea Horwath found herself in the hot seat over personal expense reports; the Progressive Conservatives and the NDP called for a public inquiry into the cancellation of two Toronto-area gas plants, while the Liberals challenge Tim Hudak’s “reckless” energy plan; and the PCs and NDP reveal new campaign ads, while the Liberals deny accusations of being negative with their ads.

If elected, the New Democrats promise $60 million annually would help protect schools on the chopping block in the province, said Horwath at an early morning news conference in Toronto Saturday.

“Both (Progressive) Conservatives and Liberals have left school boards with no choices but to shut down schools and tear them out of the communities and people have been telling me across this province that that’s not what they want to see,” Horwath said.

The annual funding would help maintain and renovate schools so they could continue to operate, while allowing non-profit and community groups to take advantage of unused space, said Horwath.

“What we need to do is make sure that we can afford all of these things…It isn’t a limitless budget,” she said. “We can’t continue to spend beyond our means. We need to get our debt and our deficit under control before we spend more money.”

As Horwath vowed millions to save schools, the Liberals ridiculed the NDP leader’s expense reports, accusing her of billing taxpayers for thousands of dollars in personal expense – including muffins, taxi rides and a $0.25 parking fee.

“In another blow to her credibility, Andrea Horwath has been caught billing taxpayers for thousands of dollars in personal expenses all while pretending that she didn’t,” a release put out by the Liberals Saturday said.

Horwath said the Liberals are “reaching for straws” and trying to drum up a scandal about her expenses.

“I think this Liberal attack was a bit misguided,” Horwath said.

Horwath defended her actions saying she is “very frugal” with her expenses, but she spends a lot of time travelling around the province and has no choice to expense items she normally wouldn’t. She said she makes sure all her expenses are vetted by the integrity commissioner before submitting them and added all MPPs, including Premier Kathleen Wynne, file expense claims.

Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak is promising a judicial inquiry into the controversial cancellation of two Toronto-area gas plants. He went after the Liberals on a scandal that dominated the last provincial election three years ago and reiterated his pledge to an inquiry Sunday at the site of one of the cancelled plants.

At a cost of what the auditor general has said could be up to $.1.1 billion, the Liberals scrapped the unpopular gas-fired power plant in Mississauga during the 2011 election and another in neighbouring Oakville in October 2010.

New Democrats also repeated their call for a public inquiry into the cancelled gas plants Sunday.

“I still believe there are answers that people need in terms of the coverup as well as the gas plant cancellation decision itself,” said Horwath.

But in a release put out Saturday, the Liberals say Hudak has a “reckless agenda,” which includes new powers for the Minister of Energy and/or municipalities to cancel projects and retroactively revoke approvals and will cost the province up to $20 billion.

“The Hudak scheme to cancel renewable energy contracts is irresponsible and shows a naive understanding or a malicious approach to both the energy sector and the basic rules of contract law,” said Liberal MPP Bob Chiarelli in the release. “It will cost billions, kill thousands of jobs in the energy sector and hurt our economy.”

The Liberals argue Hudak has learned nothing from the gas plant cancellation decisions and is irresponsibly exposing the province to costs well over 20 times the Mississauga and Oakville cancellations.

Ontario PCs released a new ad online Saturday that showcases the party with a message of hope. Hudak said he’s asking Ontarians to opt for progress over problems.

Hudak took a jab against the Liberals and their negative approach in their ad campaigns.

“In this campaign the Liberals are going negative, we’ve seen that,” said Hudak. “In this campaign you’ll see a PC party not saying what’s wrong with the other guys, what’s wrong with their party — we’re going to be talking about what’s right with our plan, our vision for Ontario.”

“I believe that it is very important that as we go through an election campaign we make it clear what we stand for and then we make it clear how we’re different from anyone else,” she said. “That’s not personal attack. That is a clear statement of who we are and how we differ.”

In Toronto Sunday, New Democrat MPP Taras Natyshak previewed a new ad put out by his party. The ad focuses on ten years of scandal after scandal with the Liberals and the need for a newly elected NDP government.

“From eHealth to the gas plant debacle, the Liberals have shown time and time again they can’t be trusted to respect taxpayer dollars,” said Natyshak.

The ad features a ticker that counts the tax dollars Liberals have wasted on misspending, said Natyshak.

“What this ad is, is a reminder for Ontarians about the track record, the dismal track record of the Liberals in Ontario,” Horwath said Sunday.

The NDP ad ends with a call “to put the Liberals in the penalty box,” for years of mismanagement.

Voters head to the polls June 12.

Find Windsor Star on Facebook]]>http://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/ontario-election-notebook-victoria-day-weekend-wrap-up-with-video/feed0Ontario party leaders, Liberal Kathleen Wynne, left, Conservative Tim Hudak and NDP Andrea Horwath. (Canadian Press files)winstarwrightPhotos: The Art Of The Teahttp://blogs.windsorstar.com/life/the-art-of-the-tea
http://blogs.windsorstar.com/life/the-art-of-the-tea#commentsSun, 04 May 2014 23:02:08 +0000http://blogs.windsorstar.com/?p=341177]]>The Art of Tea event was held at the Art Gallery of Windsor on Sunday, May 4, 2014.
]]>http://blogs.windsorstar.com/life/the-art-of-the-tea/feed0Organizers Molly Briggs, left, and Margaret Entwistle attend the Art of Tea event held at the Art Gallery of Windsor Sunday, May 4, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)winstarwrightAmy Skipper, left, and Mary Alward attend the Art of Tea event held at the Art Gallery of Windsor Sunday, May 4, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)Mary Jane Hutchinson, left, and Jeanette O'Brien attend the Art of Tea event held at the Art Gallery of Windsor Sunday, May 4, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)Lenore Simpson. left, and Alexis Smith attend the Art of Tea event held at the Art Gallery of Windsor Sunday, May 4, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)Evelyn Walker, left, Sara Murray, Karen Smith and Lynn Guest attend the Art of Tea event held at the Art Gallery of Windsor Sunday, May 4, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)Some place settings are photographed at the Art of Tea event held at the Art Gallery of Windsor Sunday, May 4, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)art_of_tea_7Photos: The Battle Of The Atlantichttp://blogs.windsorstar.com/life/photos-the-battle-of-the-atlantic
http://blogs.windsorstar.com/life/photos-the-battle-of-the-atlantic#commentsSun, 04 May 2014 23:17:48 +0000http://blogs.windsorstar.com/?p=341183]]>On Sunday, May 4, Canadians from across the country gathered to commemorate the sacrifices made by those thousands of Canadians who fought so valiantly during the Battle of the Atlantic, which ran from 1939 to 1945. The Battle of the Atlantic officially ended on Victory-Europe Day on May 8, 1945.

Each year on the first Sunday in May, Canada and its naval community commemorate those lost at sea during the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest, largest, and arguably the most complex campaign of the Second World War.

The national ceremony was held at Parliament Hill and included members of the Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Canadian Air Force, alongside members of the Merchant Navy.

The Battle of the Atlantic was the fight for supremacy in the North Atlantic and lasted 2,075 days. It pitted Allied naval and air forces against German and Italian submarines, ships and aircraft whose primary targets were the convoys of merchant ships carrying vital life-sustaining cargo from North American to Europe.

Much of the burden of fighting the Battle of the Atlantic fell to the RCN which, at the outbreak of the war, was comprised of only six destroyers and a handful of smaller vessels. By the end of the war, Canada’s navy had grown to become the fourth largest navy in the world.

During the battle, the RCN and RCAF, alone or in consort with other ships or aircraft, sank 73 U-Boats and enemy surface craft. In turn, it suffered 2,210 fatalities, including six women, and lost 33 vessels.

]]>http://blogs.windsorstar.com/life/photos-the-battle-of-the-atlantic/feed0Lt. Antonio Chainho shouts commands during a ceremony commemorating the Battle of the Atlantic held at Dieppe Park on Sunday, May 4, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)winstarwrightRetired Warrant Officer Frank Maheux stands guard during a ceremony commemorating the Battle of the Atlantic held at Dieppe Park on Sunday, May 4, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)The Battle of the Atlantic Parade makes its way down Ouellette Avenue to Dieppe Park on Sunday, May 4, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)Flight Sgt. Ian Roberts stands guard during a ceremony commemorating the Battle of the Atlantic held at Dieppe Park on Sunday, May 4, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)Members of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets stand guard during a prayer at a ceremony commemorating the Battle of the Atlantic held at Dieppe Park on Sunday, May 4, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)In this file photo, Herb Jones of the Royal Canadian Naval Association rings a ship's bell in memory of Canadian ships lost during the Second World War at a ceremony commemorating the Battle of the Atlantic held at Dieppe Park on Sunday, May 4, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)Maj. Jeremy Souchule, commanding officer of the 364 Lancaster Air Cadets, stands guard during a ceremony commemorating the Battle of the Atlantic held at Dieppe Park on Sunday, May 4, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)The Battle of the Atlantic Parade makes its way along the riverfront to Dieppe Park on Sunday, May 4, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)Photos: Wings and Wheelshttp://blogs.windsorstar.com/life/photos-and-video-wings-and-wheels
http://blogs.windsorstar.com/life/photos-and-video-wings-and-wheels#commentsSat, 03 May 2014 21:33:05 +0000http://blogs.windsorstar.com/?p=341070]]>The Wings and Wheels event was held at at Windsor Airport on Saturday, May 3, 2014.

Author Glen Mitchell read his book, called A Bad Penny Always Comes Back, which is about Royal Air Force Crews involved in a risky food drop mission in Holland in 1945.

Following the war, the pilot and radio operator of Bad Penny, one of the Lancasters involved in the mission, lived in Windsor, where author Mitchell met them and was inspired to write their story.

Louis Mailloux and his son David, 13, look inside an aircraft on display at the Wings and Wheels event held at Windsor Airport on Saturday, May 3, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)

Author Glen Mitchell reads a book he wrote to a crowd gathered at the Wings and Wheels event held at at Windsor Airport on Saturday, May 3, 2014. The book, called A Bad Penny Always Comes Back, is about Royal Air Force Crews involved in a risky food drop mission in Holland in 1945.. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)

Siblings Jason Mastroianni, 9, and Lisa, 7, check out a model bike plane at the Wings and Wheels event held at Windsor Airport on Saturday, May 3, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)

Tony Payne and his grandson Damien Mulder, 10, take a look at a Fleet Model 7B aircraft on display at the Wings and Wheels event held at Windsor Airport on Saturday, May 3, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)

David Cote and his son Parker, 2, check out a Piper Comanche aircraft on display at the Wings and Wheels event held at Windsor Airport on Saturday, May 3, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)

Matthew Mailloux, 5, peeks inside the cockpit of a vintage plane on display at the Wings and Wheels event held at Windsor Airport on Saturday, May 3, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)

Find Windsor Star on Facebook]]>http://blogs.windsorstar.com/life/photos-and-video-wings-and-wheels/feed0Siblings Matthew Mailloux, 5, and Emily, 6, peek inside the cockpit of a vintage plane on display at the Wings and Wheels event held at Windsor Airport on Saturday, May 3, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)winstarwrightLouis Mailloux and his son David, 13, look inside an aircraft on display at the Wings and Wheels event held at Windsor Airport on Saturday, May 3, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)Author Glen Mitchell reads a book he wrote to a crowd gathered at the Wings and Wheels event held at at Windsor Airport on Saturday, May 3, 2014. The book, called A Bad Penny Always Comes Back, is about Royal Air Force Crews involved in a risky food drop mission in Holland in 1945.. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)Siblings Jason Mastroianni, 9, and Lisa, 7, check out a model bike plane at the Wings and Wheels event held at Windsor Airport on Saturday, May 3, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)Tony Payne and his grandson Damien Mulder, 10, take a look at a Fleet Model 7B aircraft on display at the Wings and Wheels event held at Windsor Airport on Saturday, May 3, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)David Cote and his son Parker, 2, check out a Piper Comanche aircraft on display at the Wings and Wheels event held at Windsor Airport on Saturday, May 3, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)Matthew Mailloux, 5, peeks inside the cockpit of a vintage plane on display at the Wings and Wheels event held at Windsor Airport on Saturday, May 3, 2014. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)Walk, wheel and roll event promotes muscular dystrophy awarenesshttp://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/walk-wheel-and-roll-event-promotes-muscular-dystrophy-awareness
http://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/walk-wheel-and-roll-event-promotes-muscular-dystrophy-awareness#commentsSun, 27 Apr 2014 21:29:46 +0000http://blogs.windsorstar.com/?p=338818]]>Sandra Ginassio said it breaks her heart when her three-year-old son, Michael – who was born with muscular dystrophy – asks her why he can’t walk like other children his age.

“He’s got an old soul. He’s three going on 30, I like to say,” said Ginnasio during the Windsor Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Sunday. “It’s hard, but to know you have so much support behind you, it kind of gets you through it a little better.”

Michael, who uses a wheelchair, was surrounded by dozens of family and friends for this year’s event. Ginnasio said 50 people participated on Team Michael, and they raised $3,500 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

“It’s very hard, but we have hope for it, and we’re going to keep pushing and advocating for him for as long as I can,” said Ginnasio.

About 150 people participated in the 14th annual event, said Julia Chernin, provincial and national revenue development manager for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of progressive muscle disorders that weaken the muscles that control body movement, according to Muscular Dystrophy Canada. There is currently no cure.

There are about 160 neuromuscular disorders that fall under the umbrella of muscular dystrophy. Many living with neuromuscular disorders are unable to walk, some are unable to speak and sometimes the disorder is fatal.

There are more than 114 people affected by a neuromuscular disorder living in Windsor, according to Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

Chernin said the 5 km walk, wheel and roll event continues to grow each year and takes place on the accessible path along the riverfront, beginning and ending at Assumption Park. The event is Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s national signature event and takes place in 55 local communities across the country.

Team Michael is one of the event’s leading fundraising teams, said Chernin. Funds raised for the event support Muscular Dystrophy’s mobility equipment program, education, research and advocacy initiatives.

The event is a good chance for families affected by neurological disorders to connect, as well as feel supported by the community, said Chernin.

“Unfortunately people can feel isolated, or they might not have the opportunity to meet someone else who’s living with a neuromuscular disorder, or even for a friend or family member, so that’s why our community events like this are so important,” said Chernin. “It provides that opportunity for people to network.”

Ginnasio said it’s not often that Michael gets to be around other children who are also in wheelchairs, and so the annual event is a good opportunity for her son to better understand his disorder.

“To see other children in wheelchairs here at this event, it shows him he’s not alone,” said Ginnasio.

This is the second year for Team Michael, said Ginnasio. While 50 made it out to support her son Sunday morning, there were many who had wanted to attend but were unable to. Next year, Ginnasio hopes Team Michael will grow to 100.

“Everyone who meets Michael just loves him,” said Ginnasio. “He really is an old soul, and just so kind-hearted. We’re so proud of him.”

Ginnasio said she gets emotional in the weeks leading up to the annual walk, and got teary-eyed several times Sunday. She said events like Sunday’s walk mean the world to her and her family.

“It doesn’t even matter the amount that was given, it’s just to show that you’re supporting this cause, because it is real for us, and we live it every day and it’s hard,” said Ginnasio.

Kids take the lead in the Windsor Walk for Muscular Dystrophy at Assumption Park on Windsor’s riverfront, Sunday, April 27, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)

Michael Ginnasio, 3, who was born with Muscular Dystrophy, at the starting line of the Windsor Walk for Muscular Dystrophy at Assumption Park on Windsor’s riverfront, Sunday, April 27, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)

Sandra Ginnasio walks with her son, Michael Ginnassio, 3, who was born with Muscular Dystrophy, at the Windsor Walk for Muscular Dystrophy at Assumption Park on Windsor’s riverfront, Sunday, April 27, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)

Kids take the lead in the Windsor Walk for Muscular Dystrophy at Assumption Park on Windsor’s riverfront, Sunday, April 27, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)

Find Windsor Star on Facebook]]>http://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/walk-wheel-and-roll-event-promotes-muscular-dystrophy-awareness/feed0Michael Ginnasio, 3, gets a kiss from his mother, Sandra Ginnasio before the start of the Windsor Walk for Muscular Dystrophy at Assumption Park on Windsor's riverfront, Sunday, April 27, 2014. Michael was born with Muscular Dystrophy. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)winstarwrightKids take the lead in the Windsor Walk for Muscular Dystrophy at Assumption Park on Windsor's riverfront, Sunday, April 27, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)Michael Ginnasio, 3, who was born with Muscular Dystrophy, at the starting line of the Windsor Walk for Muscular Dystrophy at Assumption Park on Windsor's riverfront, Sunday, April 27, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)Sandra Ginnasio walks with her son, Michael Ginnassio, 3, who was born with Muscular Dystrophy, at the Windsor Walk for Muscular Dystrophy at Assumption Park on Windsor's riverfront, Sunday, April 27, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star) Kids take the lead in the Windsor Walk for Muscular Dystrophy at Assumption Park on Windsor's riverfront, Sunday, April 27, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)Volunteers pitch in to clean up Little River (With Video)http://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/volunteers-pitch-in-to-cleanup-little-river-with-video
http://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/volunteers-pitch-in-to-cleanup-little-river-with-video#commentsSun, 27 Apr 2014 01:14:37 +0000http://blogs.windsorstar.com/?p=338747]]>Organizers of a local environmental cleanup say Little River can flow easier now that volunteers collected about 100 bags of debris from the area Saturday.

The Rotary Club of Windsor 1918, along with Rotaract University of Windsor, held its third annual Earth Day Environmental Cleanup at a section of Little River Saturday morning.

“We’ve collected tires, paint buckets, bottles and a bunch of obnoxious stuff,” said Tom Goebel, chair of the Rotary Club 1918 environmental committee. “And a river will be cleaner if it flows.”

About 35 volunteers gathered garbage from the riverbank and what was within reach in the water along the edge of Little River just north and south of Tecumseh Road, from McHugh Street to Lauzon Road.

Goebel said the annual cleanup has grown from just a handful of participating volunteers to dozens, and the hundred bags collected this year is more than double last year’s total.

“This is about clean water, and other than clean air, clean water is our environment,” said Goebel. “And I think Canadians are concerned and proud about the environment.”

Volunteer Sheylen Jagajodhy from the university’s Rotaract Club helped hoist a muddied grocery cart from beneath the bridge crossing over Little River at Tecumseh Road, then was headed back down to the water’s edge to help lug up a picnic table.

“Really, we should be doing this more often,” said Jagajodhy, who jumps at every opportunity to participate in environmental initiatives throughout the community. “Like this should be a weekly thing we all take part in. It’s important to take care of the environment.”

Peter Hrastovec, who has been a Rotary Club member for more than 20 years, plucked a vehicle tailgate from the riverbed during Saturday’s cleanup.

“It surprises me that people still do this,” said Hrastovec. He said water bottles and coffee cups were the most common pieces of garbage he came across along Little River Saturday. “Down here, people like to walk the trail, and that’s fine, but the thing is, if you’re going to use the trail, don’t abuse it.”

Goebel said the Rotary Club is open to working with other local neighbourhoods on similar environmental initiatives, such as a tree-planting event planned for October. He said he encourages community members to contact the Rotary Club of Windsor 1918 if they have an idea for an environmental project that would benefit the community.

“We have money and we have manpower, so if people come to us with a project, we can fund it,” said Goebel.

Hrastovec said while everyone is busy, it’s worth it to dedicate a couple of hours to helping the environment.

“I think if you really love the city and love this region, like most of us do, this is a small price to pay in order to embrace what is ours,” said Hrastovec. He said it’s the little things that people support – like Saturday’s initiative – that make a big difference in the long run.

“I think we’re just putting a small dent in what can be done, and what has to be done,” said Hrastovec. “It’s important that everybody contributes in that regard, because the little things we do today will give us the greater gifts tomorrow.”

Volunteers from Windsor Rotary 1918 and Rotaract Univesity of Windsor pull up a picnic table from the riverbed of Little River during the 3rd annual Earth Day Environmental Cleanup, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The event was put on by Windsor Rotary 1918 and Rotaract University of Windsor. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)

Past president of Windsor Rotary 1918, Ron Arkell, picks up litter along the riverbed of Little River during the 3rd annual Earth Day Environmental Cleanup, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The event was put on by Windsor Rotary 1918 and Rotaract University of Windsor. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)

Find Windsor Star on Facebook]]>http://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/volunteers-pitch-in-to-cleanup-little-river-with-video/feed0Anil Chitte, a member of Windsor Rotary 1918, picks up litter around Little River during the 3rd annual Earth Day Environmental Cleanup, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The event was put on by Windsor Rotary 1918 and Rotaract University of Windsor. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)winstarwrightVolunteers from Windsor Rotary 1918 and Rotaract Univesity of Windsor pull up a picnic table from the riverbed of Little River during the 3rd annual Earth Day Environmental Cleanup, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The event was put on by Windsor Rotary 1918 and Rotaract University of Windsor. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)Past president of Windsor Rotary 1918, Ron Arkell, picks up litter along the riverbed of Little River during the 3rd annual Earth Day Environmental Cleanup, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The event was put on by Windsor Rotary 1918 and Rotaract University of Windsor. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)UPDATED: Fatal motorcycle accident near Leamingtonhttp://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/fatal-motorcycle-accident-near-leamington
http://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/fatal-motorcycle-accident-near-leamington#commentsSun, 27 Apr 2014 15:19:23 +0000http://blogs.windsorstar.com/?p=338782]]>A 39-year-old man is dead after he crashed his motorcycle near Leamington early Sunday morning.

OPP Const. Joe Meloche said the single-vehicle accident occurred shortly before 2 a.m. on Fox Run Road near the 15th Concession. Responding officers reported the motorcycle landed in a ditch on the west side of the road, he said.

Meloche said the Leamington man was pronounced dead at the scene.

OPP is continuing to investigate the incident.

Meloche said more details will be released once next of kin has been notified.

Find Windsor Star on Facebook]]>http://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/fatal-motorcycle-accident-near-leamington/feed0File photo of an OPP cruiser. (Windsor Star files)winstarwrightDippers take icy plunge in Lake Erie (With Video)http://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/dippers-take-icy-plunge-in-lake-erie
http://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/dippers-take-icy-plunge-in-lake-erie#commentsSun, 23 Mar 2014 21:16:06 +0000http://blogs.windsorstar.com/?p=326443]]>While submerged in freezing Lake Erie Saturday, wearing a bathing suit and spandex tights, Linda Lyman raised her hands in the air and yelled out that her brave frigid dip was in honour of Aubri Andre, a local seven-year-old battling cancer.

“Woohoo! Go Aubri,” exclaimed Lyman as she ran back to shore during the 14th annual Polar Bear Dip held in Kingsville Saturday afternoon.

Andre is fighting a rare form of leukemia and made headlines after her father, Phil, was denied stress leave coverage to be with his family and take care of his daughter by his former employer, Heinz. The community has rallied together to support the family since.

Andre has been receiving care in Calgary at the Alberta Children’s Hospital since December.

Lyman said she doesn’t personally know Andre or her family, but was inspired to dedicate this year’s dip to the young girl.

“That little superhero is walking it out one day at a time, and I want her to know that she has the whole community behind her and that there’s hard times and good times, it’s up and down, and although she’s down right now, she’s going to be right back up,” said Lyman as she warmed up beneath a heat lamp inside a tent set up on Cedar Island Beach where the event was held.

The Ice Breakers, a group of six women representing Unifor Local 2458, participate in The Polar Bear Dip at Cedar Island Beach in Kingsville, Saturday, March 22, 2014. Funds raised from the event go to ChildCan and Access County Community Support Services. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)

This year’s dip was rescheduled after temperatures were too bitter cold on the original date in January to hold the dip, said organizer Jenna Foley, who is executive director of Access County Community Support Services, one of agencies that benefits from dip. The annual Polar Bear Dip also raises money for Childcan, which supports children with cancer.

This year, just over 100 dippers participated and about $88,000 was raised for the two organizations, said Foley.

The water temperature was just above the freezing point at 1 C during Saturday’s event. Individuals and teams took turns taking the plunge, as participants stood along the beach or on the ice-covered lake cheering them on, awaiting their icy dip.

Foley said a section of the shoreline was excavated to allow for the dip because the lake is still about three feet frozen on the surface.

Lyman said she specifically wore purple in honour of Andre, since that is her favourite colour. And while the dip is not much of an enjoyable experience, Lyman said Andre motivated her to push through it.

“I know she’s going through hard times right now, doing things she doesn’t want to do and doing things maybe she feels she can’t do, so today I drew within that strength from within that we all have, and so hopefully Aubri can pull that out, too,” said Lyman.

“And I’d recommend anyone to do it because it’s a piece of cake compared to what Aubri’s going through, and what every kid in the hospital is going through. I would run in the water every single day if that could make a difference.”

A team called the Crazy SOBs had dippers on the sidelines whistling and laughing as they moseyed and splashed in the lake almost like it was a warm summer afternoon. Brian King dove right into the water and fully immersed himself in the icy lake.

“No big deal. It’s cold, but it was doable,” said King after he took a few minutes to dry off, change and warm up following his dip.

“Your body goes into shock, so you don’t really feel anything,” said King with a laugh, adding it’s unfortunate that he lost a shoe during his dip.

While this was the third time participating in the Polar Bear Dip for King, it was the first for teammate Troy Hall.

“It’s an eye-opener for sure. I mean it’s not the River Jordan, but I feel healed,” said Hall, adding he’s happy the dip was for a good cause. “You come out of the water a better person, and that’s what it’s all about.”

The Crazy SOBs agreed the Polar Bear Dip is a definite must – at least once – for everyone.

“It’s a stepping stone for progress of pushing yourself,” said Hall. “If you can do something like this, then a job interview or an exam is easy.”

Find Windsor Star on Facebook]]>http://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/dippers-take-icy-plunge-in-lake-erie/feed0Linda Lymaa participates in The Polar Bear Dip at Cedar Island Beach in Kingsville, Saturday, March 22, 2014. Lymaa was taking part in honour of Aubri Andre, a seven-year-old girl battling a rare form of Leukemia. Funds raised from the event go to ChildCan and Access County Community Support Services. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)winstarwrightThe Ice Breakers, a group of six women representing Unifor Local 2458, participate in The Polar Bear Dip at Cedar Island Beach in Kingsville, Saturday, March 22, 2014. Funds raised from the event go to ChildCan and Access County Community Support Services. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)Thousands from Windsor-Essex back campaign against privatized healthcare (With video)http://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/thousands-from-windsor-essex-back-province-wide-campaign-against-privatized-healthcare
http://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/thousands-from-windsor-essex-back-province-wide-campaign-against-privatized-healthcare#commentsSat, 05 Apr 2014 19:52:24 +0000http://blogs.windsorstar.com/?p=331597]]>Thousands of locals have shown their support for a provincewide initiative aimed at protecting public health care and preventing privatization of services.

“What’s happening is the Ontario government – by way of regulatory change – is set to enter into contracts with private clinics to perform services that have been primarily performed in hospitals until this day,” said Ken Brown, manager of the Save Our Services campaign organized by the Ontario Health Coalition.

Brown said the Windsor-Essex Chapter has been rallying the region collecting signatures and votes against privatization for the past four weeks. In that time, about 7,000 people have backed the campaign.

The purpose of the SOS campaign is to stop the provincial government from allowing privatized for-profit clinics, Brown said. These clinics would perform common procedures covered by the province such as cataract surgeries, colonoscopies and hip surgeries, but patients would be charged with several costs, he said.

“We’ve done some research and found that 97 per cent of private practices end up costing patients out-of-pocket with user fees, administration fees, they upsell unnecessary services, those sorts of things,” Brown said.

Polling stations were set up at various locations throughout the city Saturday for people to vote on whether they support public health care services or private clinics.

The campaign is to gain support, but also to inform citizens on the regulatory changes the government has made to allow for privatized clinics – which is the first step toward a two-tier health care system, Brown said.

“The government is trying to do something through the back door that they couldn’t accomplish through the front door because Canadians have been pretty consistent over the years with their support of public health care and public hospitals, and private for-profit clinics just don’t really jive with that,” he said.

If the provincial government takes the next step towards privatization – and commits to contracts with private clinics – it would eventually cause services to be taken away from public hospitals, Brown said.

“It’s really an attack on our public health care system and really puts us down a path for two-tier for-profit health care which, as Canadians, we’ve traditionally been opposed to,” Brown said. “And with a two-tier system, your ability to get the procedures you need is based on your wealth and the health of your wallet, not your physical health.”

Scott Hunt and his wife Marie voted in favour of public health care at a polling station set up at Devonshire Mall Saturday.

“Canada’s public health care system is what’s made this country great, so we have to stand up and protect these services,” Scott said. He said he had a heart attack in 2009 and doesn’t like to think about what his recovery would have been like if Ontario had a privatized or a two-tier health care system.

“If you get sick, you’re going to need these services, but unfortunately most people don’t think about this until they’re sick, and that’s the problem,” Marie said.

Hetty Drew also voted down privatized health care and supported public services Saturday.

“If they go private, there are going to be cutbacks and layoffs like crazy and when you go to the hospital for care, you may end up having to make your own bed or taking yourself to the bathroom,” Drew said. “But the people in government allowing for these changes would probably get the best private care, so it wouldn’t really affect them.”

Brown said while some argue opening private clinics would help with backlogs in the public system, the solution is not privatization, but rather training more medical professionals.

“Some suggest a two-tier system opens up spots in the public system for people to access services, but it really doesn’t,” Brown said. “There are a limited number of health care resources, in terms of the personnel who can do these things, and so what you end up with is people with the financial ability jumping the queue and people in the public system having to wait longer.”

Brown said the approved regulatory changes don’t matter if action isn’t taken to head into contracts with private clinics, which could take place as soon as this summer.

“We still think there’s an opportunity to get them to change their posture,” Brown said. “So we’re ending this campaign, but we’re ready to launch into some more action if it looks like they’re going to agree with that next phase.”

Volunteers Richard Paquette, left, and Rob McGuffin manage the Save Our Services booth at Devonshire Mall on the last day of the province-wide campaign to protect public health care from privatization, Saturday, April 5, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)

Scott and Marie Hunt sign a ballot with Save Our Services at Devonshire Mall on the last day of the province-wide campaign to protect public health care from privatization, Saturday, April 5, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)

Volunteers Richard Paquette, left, and Rob McGuffin talk with Save Our Services campaign manager, Ken Brown, at Devonshire Mall on the last day of the province-wide campaign to protect public health care from privatization, Saturday, April 5, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)

Find Windsor Star on Facebook]]>http://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/thousands-from-windsor-essex-back-province-wide-campaign-against-privatized-healthcare/feed0Ken Brown, campaign manager for Save Our Services, rallies for support at Devonshire Mall on the last day of the province-wide campaign to protect public health care from privatization, Saturday, April 5, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)winstarwrightVolunteers Richard Paquette, left, and Rob McGuffin manage the Save Our Services booth at Devonshire Mall on the last day of the province-wide campaign to protect public health care from privatization, Saturday, April 5, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)Scott and Marie Hunt sign a ballot with Save Our Services at Devonshire Mall on the last day of the province-wide campaign to protect public health care from privatization, Saturday, April 5, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)Volunteers Richard Paquette, left, and Rob McGuffin talk with Save Our Services campaign manager, Ken Brown, at Devonshire Mall on the last day of the province-wide campaign to protect public health care from privatization, Saturday, April 5, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)Windsor’s NBL of Canada final appearance has more Express fans on board (With video)http://blogs.windsorstar.com/sports/nbl-of-canada-final-appearance-has-more-express-fans-on-board
http://blogs.windsorstar.com/sports/nbl-of-canada-final-appearance-has-more-express-fans-on-board#commentsSun, 06 Apr 2014 16:00:07 +0000http://blogs.windsorstar.com/?p=331703]]>As the Windsor Express climbed their way to the top this season – now facing the Island Storm in the NBL of Canada final – a once sparse fan base continues to be on the rise.

“The crowds really motivate these guys,” said Matt Dumouchelle, director of basketball operations for the Windsor Express during Game 2 at the WFCU Centre Sunday. “After the games, the players wave to the fans, so all that boost from the crowd, they appreciate it.”

Last year, the Express’s first games attracted a mere few hundred fans. Now in their second year and battling it out in the championship, some games this season have attracted up to 2,500 fans, said Dumouchelle.

“There’s been great strides this year with more fans,” said Dumouchelle. “More often than not, when people come out to a game, they have no complaints and usually come back.”

More than 1,500 people packed the WFCU Centre for Sunday’s game. Despite the solid turnout, the Express lost 104-102.

Dumouchelle said people are really starting to catch on to the entertainment value of the games.

“This level of basketball has never been played in this city before, and we like to think it’s a circus with a basketball game in the middle because there’s always something going on, whether it’s our dance crew or games in the stands or something like that. So it’s a very light-hearted, fun atmosphere,” said Dumouchelle.

“I think the city as a whole has a better idea of who we are and what we are and so that’s why we’re seeing more and more new faces here.”

Theresa Kamrad has been to every one of the Express’s home games since January. She said she would have been to every game from the start if she had heard about the team sooner.

“There’s not enough exposure,” said Kamrad. “People don’t realize this caliber of talent and entertainment is here.”

Fans look on in anticipation during the final seconds of Game 2 of the NBL of Canada Finals between the Windsor Express and the Island Storm at the WFCU Centre, Sunday, April 6, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)

Kamrad wore a red cowboy hat she embellished with a homemade Windsor Express pin on the front. She said next season she plans to sell the pins to fans and to people throughout the city to help promote the team.

“We can get as big as the Spitfires if we get out there and network it,” said Kamrad. “This is just great that we’re in the finals, and that’s boosted the crowds. Now we’re going to finish this down east.”

Wearing a bright red Express Jersey, John-Marc Vachon and his eight-year-old daughter, Chase, enjoyed the game courtside Sunday. The pair have been attending games regularly since halfway through the team’s first season.

“For them to gel the way they have and they’re only in their second season, it’s very impressive,” said Vachon. He said while the Express may not have as many fans as other teams, the fans are very passionate.

“We went on the fan bus and were part of about 100 who went to London for their game there and we were louder than the 4,000 fans they had,” said Vachon.

Chase, who wore an Express T-shirt and a red and black Windsor Express tattoo on each of her cheeks, said she especially enjoys watching the players so close from their courtside seats.

“I like to shake the cowbell and cheer them on,” said Chase. “They’re really talented and they really co-operate well together, and it’s nice to see that they don’t really lose very much.”

For Julie McKellar and her husband Rick and their three children Rachel, 5, Adam, 10 and Lindsey, 12, attending the Express games together has become a family tradition.

“We’ve been hooked since first game we attended,” said McKellar, adding they’ve been to every game since halfway through last season. “What brought us out and keeps us coming out is the entertainment. The only thing I can compare it to is NCAA. Like these guys are all up there, and being able to see them doing the 360 slams and everything else is just fabulous.”

While the family of five has been to an NBA Detroit Pistons game, McKellar said they agree watching the Express play is better.

“This Express games are more personable and the kids feel like they can actually reach out and touch the players whereas you won’t feel that at an NBA game,” said McKellar. “And also you have more of an attachment to the players.”

With increasing crowds, the intense mood during the games these days – especially in the finals – has been unbelievable, said McKellar.

“I came prepared and I brought my ear buds today,” said McKellar with a laugh. “It gets so crazy and loud in here, I’m surprised we still have a roof.”

McKellar said her family is known to fans as “the cowbell family” because they never hold back in making noise to show their support. For Sunday’s game, they were equipped with their usual cowbells, along with clappers and horns to turn up the excitement.

“Last year we made it to the semifinals and we played these guys and they made it to the finals, so now this is like we’re out for retribution,” she said.

McKellar said they always recommend attending the Express games to others and believes bringing friends makes new fans.

“It’s not just watching a basketball game, it’s a whole experience,” said McKellar. “The game is only a small part of it. It’s an event where you’re up, you’re down and it’s hard to sit still. It’s very exciting.”

Find Windsor Star on Facebook]]>http://blogs.windsorstar.com/sports/nbl-of-canada-final-appearance-has-more-express-fans-on-board/feed0Shanon Waht cheers on the Windsor Express during Game 2 of the NBL of Canada Finals between the Express and the Island Storm at the WFCU Centre, Sunday, April 6, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)winstarwrightFans look on in anticipation during the final seconds of Game 2 of the NBL of Canada Finals between the Windsor Express and the Island Storm at the WFCU Centre, Sunday, April 6, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)